Marine Aircraft Group 16
| Marine Aircraft Group 16 | |
|---|---|
MAG-16's insignia
|
|
| Active | 1 March 1952 – present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Helicopter group |
| Role | Assault support |
| Part of |
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing I Marine Expeditionary Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar |
| Engagements |
Vietnam War * Operation Starlite Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 Invasion of Iraq * Operation Vigilant Resolve * Operation Phantom Fury |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Col Chad A. Blair |
Marine Aircraft Group 16 is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar that is currently composed of five V-22 Osprey squadrons, four CH-53 Super Stallion squadrons, one Personnel Support Detachment, an aviation logistics squadron, and a wing support squadron. The group falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Provide air support to Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders.
CH-53E Super Stallion Squadrons
V-22 Osprey Squadrons
Maintenance Squadron
Support Squadron
Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16 (MAG(HR)-16) was formed 1 March 1952 at Marine Corps Air Facility(MCAF) Santa Ana, California and was the first helicopter group established in the Marine Corps. Prior to its activation helicopter squadrons were considered special units and reported directly to the Air Wing commanding general with no intermediate command. Colonel Harold J. Mitchener was MAG-16's first commanding officer. Seven units made up the newly formed MAG: Headquarters Squadron(HQSQ) 16, Marine Airbase Squadron(MABS) 16, Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron(MAMS) 16, Marine Helicopter Transport Squadrons(HMR) 162, 163, 362, and 363.
On the evening of 12–13 August helicopters from MAG-16 participated in the first night helicopter assault of the Vietnam War. They debarked 245 Marines and returned to Da Nang without incident.
Through the years, many other helicopter squadrons have made MAG-16 their home. Units of MAG-16 have participated in Operation Desert Punch, Operation Seahorse Wind, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and many other missions, including Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Wikipedia